# Choice of oncologist and influencing factors: analysis of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network registry

## TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing pancreatic cancer patients' decisions to choose or change their oncologist, using patient-reported data.

## Contribution

The study identifies trust in the first oncologist and disease status as key factors in patients' decisions to seek a second opinion.

## Key findings

- Feeling comfortable and trusting the first oncologist significantly reduced the likelihood of seeking a second opinion.
- Patients with resectable disease were less likely to visit another oncologist compared to those with more advanced disease.
- Recommendations from friends or family were a common reason for seeking additional oncologists.

## Abstract

Choice of oncologist by patients with pancreatic cancer is a complex personal decision. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network registry to explore whether age, gender, disease status, feelings of trust and comfort, and the opportunity for clinical trial participation influenced patient choice. Of 110 participants who completed the “Information about Choosing an Oncologist Survey,” 68 (61.8%) reported visiting another oncologist. Feeling comfortable and trusting their first oncologist decreased the likelihood of seeking a second opinion (OR: 0.08; CI: 0.01-0.42; P = .005). Patients with resectable disease were also less likely to visit another oncologist compared to patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced disease (OR: 0.28; CI: 0.08-0.95; P = .042). Age, gender, and the opportunity for clinical trial participation did not influence patient choice. Most patients who saw additional oncologists did so because of recommendations from friends or family members. This analysis leveraged patient-reported outcomes to highlight determinants of patient decision-making.